Independent Police Review Authority

In 2007, in response to concerns about how allegations of police misconduct were being investigated by the Chicago Police Department, the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) was created and approved by the City Council. Headed by a civilian Chief Administrator and staffed entirely with civilian investigators, IPRA is an independent agency of the City of Chicago, separate from the Chicago Police Department. IPRA replaced the former Office of Professional Standards.

IPRA intakes all allegations of misconduct made against Chicago Police Department (CPD) members whether from a member of the public or from another CPD member. When an allegation involves excessive force, domestic violence, coercion though violence, or verbal bias-based abuse, IPRA conducts the investigation into the allegation and recommends the result. All other allegations are referred to the Internal Affairs Division of the Chicago Police Department for appropriate resolution.

In addition to investigating allegations of misconduct, IPRA investigates or reviews all officer involved shootings, extraordinary occurrences in lock-up, and uses of tasers. IPRA also may make recommendations of changes to training and policy.

IPRA also provides transparency to the disciplinary process by making public reports on that process.